Tracking Mackerel population within Bassan's toxic waste, specifically focusing on the area where the madman repeatedly vomited.

In the vast expanse of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a fascinating collaboration is underway between Quebec scientists and the Northern Gannet, one of the largest seabirds in the Northern Hemisphere. The focus of this collaboration is the mackerel population, which is currently experiencing a decline.

The Northern Gannet, a majestic seabird known for its acrobatic dives, is the main predator of blue mackerel. Scientists aim to leverage this relationship to identify the most important geographical zones in the Gulf for mackerel growth. One such critical region is the Magdalen Islands area, where the most significant mackerel recruitment occurs.

David Pelletier, a teacher-researcher at the Cégep de Rimouski, has been at the forefront of this research. He has published a scientific article on the Gannet's vomit, which contains remnants of the small fish it has eaten. This provides valuable insights into the health of fish populations. Pelletier aims to open the way to a dynamic science of aviary vomitomics.

Biologists from the Marine Ornithology Laboratory in Rimouski are installing geolocation devices on dozens of Northern Gannets. These devices, along with sensors that measure the depth of their dives, will provide crucial data about the birds' feeding habits and migration patterns.

A student, Léa Desjardins, has developed a method to measure the length of fish from the Gannet's vomit. The width of the tail of the fish in the Gannet's vomit is an excellent indicator of the fish's age. Crossing these data with the contents of their stomach allows for mapping the areas frequented by mackerel of the year.

This research could extend beyond mackerel and geographic studies. Other studies could involve genomic analysis of truncated fish or contaminants in their flesh. The ultimate goal is to understand the factors contributing to the decline in mackerel populations and to adjust fishing management accordingly.

While the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a hub of activity for this groundbreaking research, it's not the only area teeming with life. The Mécatina basin, off the North Coast, is home to a rich ecosystem that scientists are eager to explore further.

As the Northern Gannets continue to play a crucial role in this research, they are also capturing the attention of the public. The Gannet's nesting sites, such as Bonaventure Island off the Gaspe Peninsula, are popular tourist destinations, with over 50,000 pairs of Gannets nesting there each year.

Meanwhile, in other news, David Pelletier's work has been overshadowed by events in the world beyond the Gulf. Russia has proposed a "new idea" to the Americans on Ukraine, while Taylor Swift has won a long battle that has haunted her for more than six years. Despite these distractions, the research into the Northern Gannet and mackerel populations continues, shedding light on the intricate relationships between species and the health of our oceans.